It is believed that the lemon originated in Asia. In fact, significant cultivation of lemons in Europe began in Italy in the middle of the 15th century.The lemon was later introduced to the Americas in 1493, when Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds with him on voyages to the New World.

A few weeks ago, around Columbus Day, we talked about Christopher’s influence on the popularity of chocolate. It’s hardly surprising, that he also influenced lemon, another of the world’s most popular flavors.

Needless to say, GELATO GIULIANA is spreading the culture of GELATO throughout our region. Our “gelato maestros” have decades of experience in the art of this Italian tradition.

PUMPKIN originates from the Greek word PEPON (large melon). Pumpkins are native to North America…the colonists eventually changed the term to PUMPKIN. In fact, the world’s heaviest pumpkin on record recently tipped the scales at over 2,000 pounds. Honeybees influence the pollination of this widely cultivated fruit. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, pumpkin fruit is rich in antioxidants and low in calories.

The time is ripe for “everything pumpkin.”

Pumpkins have played an important role in folk lore – Cinderella’s Coach, the Legend of Sleepy Hallow, carved Jack O’ Lanterns for Halloween and Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving are at the “tip of my tongue”. Of course, having tales at the tip of one’s tongue is not quite as delicious as the real thing.

Pumpkin Spice Gelato Giuliana

Grocer’s displays are brimming with “pumpkin edibles.” We pay homage to this American tradition with Pumpkin Spice Gelato Giuliana, now seasonally available on local shelves at Stop and Shop in East Haven, CT and Branford, CT.

Gelato lovers proclaim the taste is “simply perfetto” with a subtle hint of savory spice. You must taste it for yourself.

Just one location where you will find a wide selection of our flavors including freshly scooped PUMPKIN SPICEGelato Giuliana is at the very popular Brunello’s Cafe, 2 East Main St. Branford CT. Be sure to ask for this yummy flavor by the full name – PUMPKIN SPICE Gelato Giuliana !

Journey to France: romance and adventure are involved in this story. Catherine de’ Medici, an Italian duchess, married a French Duke, Henry II, in 1553. Catherine enticed Giuseppe Ruggeri to bring his prized recipe for traditional artisan gelato to her husband’s delighted court in France. Nobility everywhere coveted this dessert.

Catherine De Medici influenced the history of gelato…

Hence, the legend of artisanal gelato may well originate from this era. Within a century, France became enamored with this delicacy and the popularity of “frozen snow” spread throughout Europe.

Ancient civilizations had already combined fruits and juice with snow saved in underground chambers or from snowfalls on mountain tops. In fact, there is a biblical reference of Isaac offering Abraham goat’s milk mixed with snow. Such a lovely clue to the myriad legends surrounding gelato!

Back to Italy: As gelato gained favor in the French court, back home in Italy’s northern areas, folks of the Dolomit mountain area made gelato with milk, cream, sugar, eggs and natural flavors; in southern areas, Sicilian recipes favored less fat and stored the precious mixture in deep underground rooms. The recipes for “frozen snow” eventually spread from Europe around the world and to America. Artisan Gelato making is intertwined with Italian tradition.

As you may know, American Ice Cream is a totally different product and we will have more to say about that very soon.

Fast Forward in Italy: The Carpigiani Group makes modern gelato machines and recently built a “gelato museum” in the small northern town of Anzola dell’Emilia, near Bologna. Opened in 2012, the museum showcases the history of gelato from antiquity to present. Our friend, Giuseppe Ruggeri would be charmed to know that his important contribution to the history of gelato is showcased in the museum along with vintage gelato machines, original recipes, memorabilia from Italian gelaterias, gelato labs and a gelato university. This incredible heritage informs the more recent history of Gelato Giuliana.

Cones were invented in the 1800’s making it easier to enjoy gelato.

Fast forward to New Haven CT: for now, suffice it to say that, Giuliana Maravalle, founder of Gelato Giuliana, inspired deeply by her native Italian heritage, brings the love of tradition, beautiful food, simple quality, and artisan craftsmanship to the Gelato Giuliana brand, giving this wonderful gelato its authenticity.

“Gelato is my passion!” she says. “Making gelato came about because I could not find quality gelato here in America, so I decided I would have to make it myself!”

With the increasing popularity and demand for her gelato, and an unstoppable, entrepreneurial desire to keep growing, Giuliana put together a team of partners who shared her vision for taste and perfection and opened a wholesale production facility in New Haven, CT.

Giuliana’s passion for quality and her rich heritage give life to a gelato that is recognized as a guarantee of refined gourmet pleasure that awakens the senses. Best, of all, you can find a wide selection of Gelato Giuliana flavors in many stores throughout this region.

Our fun contest starts today and the first winner will be selected on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. We are excited about this contest and simply cannot wait to see your pictures and hear your stories about Gelato Giuliana.

This is “a seriously cute Gelato Story” – from a nice couple in Westville, CT-

Kids of all ages love Gelato GIuliana

“…our next door neighbors have three adorable children, one is almost 8 years old, and the twins , a boy and a girl, turned 6 in March. Cute does not begin to describe this threesome! They enjoy visiting us every few days after their dinner. We started the tradition of ” a small ice cream treat if Mom & Dad say it’s ok” followed by a fun/spontaneous activity like drawing, dancing, or playing tag. Then it’s their bath time:)

We were thinking that Ice Cream Sandwiches, Pops & Cones were just not healthy enough so we tried something new, tasty and healthy – a scoop of BLOOD ORANGE RASPBERRYGelato Giuliana. It’s easy to guess the end of this story. They licked the spoons and asked for seconds!

The next time the trio visited, Noah asked “can I have some more of the red ice cream?” Our hearts melted very fast & it felt great to explain that gelato is tastier and healthier than ice cream. We are glad there are so many flavors of Gelato Giuliana to enjoy with our “little friends.”

It’s rather challenging to describe the taste of BLOOD ORANGE RASPBERRY Gelato Giuliana. You simply have to try our delicious fruit Gelato for yourself!

Blood Orange Raspberry Gelato Giuliana

We wanted to share a bit of the history of this delicious fruit. Blood Oranges may trace their origin back to 18th century China or the Southern Mediterranean. They are now the primary orange grown in Italy and are favored as a fine dessert orange. The Blood Orange has thin orange blush-red skin protecting the tasty fruit that is a subtle red almost burgundy color.

Blood Oranges are also considered healthy which adds to the popularity and appeal of this special flavor. BLOOD ORANGE RASPBERRY Gelato Giuliana is a non-dairy fruit gelato. Be sure to catch our upcoming “health posts.”

The taste of a Blood Orange is unforgettable – juicy and tart sweet with a hint of berry. When we pair the Blood Orange with fresh Raspberries, the resulting flavor is delicious and will delight your taste buds. In fact, our next GELATO GIULIANA Story is about a little boy who loves our BLOOD ORANGE RASPBERRY so much that he ignores everything else on the shelf. Stay tuned!

Just one location where you will find a wide selection of our flavors including BLOOD ORANGE RASPBERRY Gelato Giuliana is at the very popular Westside Marketplace located at 887 Cromwell Ave. in Rocky Hill, CT.